DUBAI: In a pioneering achievement for sustainable architecture, Majid Al Futtaim has unveiled the region’s first net-positive mosque within Dubai’s Tilal Al Ghaf community.
Built in partnership with Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), this mosque is set to become a landmark in eco-friendly religious architecture, supporting UAE’s Vision 2030 and its commitment to sustainability.
With advanced energy-saving features, the mosque is projected to achieve BREEAM certification, making it the region’s first mosque to receive this esteemed global accreditation for environmental performance.
Notably, the mosque’s renewable energy system—comprising 203 solar panels—generates 204,121 kWh annually, exceeding its energy needs by 15%, with the surplus fed back into Dubai’s electrical grid.
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, General Manager of IACAD, highlighted the mosque’s importance in aligning with UAE’s green initiatives: “The opening of the first net-zero emissions mosque in the Middle East is an achievement that reflects our deep commitment to the principles of sustainability. This project represents a significant shift in the field of environmental sustainability and highlights our fruitful collaboration with Majid Al Futtaim in implementing this initiative.”
“It serves as a live example of a successful partnership between the public and private sectors, setting a new standard for responsible innovation in building and maintenance. It also aligns with the noble Islamic values that advocate for environmental preservation and protection,” he added.
Sustainable design
This mosque, named in honour of the late Majid Al Futtaim, stands as a testament to his vision of environmentally responsible development and his legacy of community service.
Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, expressed pride in this historic project: “It is a great honour to inaugurate the Majid Al Futtaim Mosque, a symbol of our late Founder’s enduring legacy and a tribute to his commitment to serve the communities in which we operate. As the first net-positive mosque in the region, this space has been thoughtfully designed as a cornerstone of the community, blending sustainable design principles with Islamic values.
He also thanked the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department for their full support of this project, helping to “maximise our positive social and environmental impact.”
Majid Al Futtaim Mosque
Designed to produce more energy than it consumes, the Majid Al Futtaim Mosque integrates a series of sustainable technologies. Its solar photovoltaic array alone generates enough energy to meet 115% of the mosque’s annual demand. Additional features include energy-efficient LED lighting, a solar-powered hot water system, an optimised HVAC setup, and electric vehicle charging stations. The Building Management System (BMS) enhances energy efficiency by actively monitoring and regulating consumption.
The mosque also emphasises water conservation, indoor air quality, and non-toxic materials. Its construction incorporates low-carbon, responsibly sourced materials, further reducing its environmental impact.
Inspiring future projects
Al Muhairi emphasised the wider impact of this project, hoping it would catalyse similar initiatives across the region: “This project perfectly aligns with the United Arab Emirates' Vision 2030, which focuses on achieving a balance between economic development and environmental conservation. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting this ambitious green agenda, and we hope that this project will inspire more initiatives across the region and the world. It encourages all sectors to adopt innovative solutions that contribute to building a sustainable environment, ensuring safety and prosperity for future generations.”
With this innovative mosque, Majid Al Futtaim further strengthens its commitment to achieving a net-positive impact in water and carbon by 2040, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development.
Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is an Emirati conglomerate and a leader in the shopping, entertainment, and leisure sectors across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The Group’s "Dare Today, Change Tomorrow" sustainability strategy underpins its goal to achieve net-positive carbon and water usage by 2040, cementing its dedication to responsible and sustainable growth.